God’s blessings to the children who received their First Communion last weekend at the 4:30 and 11:00 Masses. Thank you to everyone who helped with the event and with their faith formation, especially: all the families and parents who are the children’s primary examples in the faith, Brianna Gilmore, Karen Cook, Anna Mosey, Irene Jones, and all those who helped with their presence during faith formation sessions. It was a joy to witness the children’s excitement about receiving the Eucharist for the first time. After Mass, Fr. Bill gave an endearing message of Jesus’s lasting love to all of the children, and it was a good reminder to us all: that nothing we do can ever stop Jesus from loving us.

“We pray blessings upon all of our children in faith formation, especially those who have completed preparations to receive their First Holy Communion this year,” said Ann Barba. “It has been a privilege ministering to the children and their families. May God shower His blessings upon you and your families.”

We rejoice with the adults and youth who received the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil March 31, and who have answered the call of Jesus to grow in faith and love! They are: Brian Highland., Brian Jennings, Merrill McNeil, Lari Silva, Gregg Stohler, Denice Smith, Kevin Young. Our youngest new Catholics are: Amanda Hoie and Matthew Hioe.

Thinking of becoming Catholic? Contact Anna Mosey or the church office. Read more about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (“RCIA”) by clicking here.

“The Volunteer Connections ministry was looking for someone with Excel spreadsheet experience, says parishioner Rebecca Widden. “I felt comfortable with the request, given my professional skills and career. I wanted to participate in a volunteer job that had a flexible time commitment.”

Rebecca is connected with the ministry that brings Communion to the homebound and the sick. She is assisting with the scheduling of the Sunday Communion visits. She works to coordinate the Eucharistic Ministers that go to five local retirement homes after the 8:30 Mass each Sunday.

Using her expertise, Rebecca establishes a volunteer schedule once a quarter. Eucharistic Ministers usually go alone to the care or assisted living centers. At some locations, a Communion Service is held. At others, the volunteer goes room to room. Occasionally, an EM takes a family member or a trainee EM along.

West Linn locations are Rose Linn Care Center and Tanner Springs Assisted Living. In Lake Oswego, EMs goes to The Stafford Retirement Center. Tualatin has two destinations: Brookdale at River Valley Retirement Center and Tualatin Marquis Rehabilitation and Assisted Living.

“The ministry is looking for more Sunday volunteers. I may serve as a sub volunteer with another volunteer. There will be a Homebound Ministry booth at the Ministry Fair.” Rebecca encourages parishioners to come by and to learn more about the ministry. The Ministry Fair will be held November 4th and 5th after the Masses.

Rebecca recently retired after a professional career in finance in both healthcare and retirement housing. She is looking forward to her volunteer work. “I am glad I saw the Volunteer Connections article in the bulletin.”